Wiganers get chance of Downton Abbey style wedding

A DOLLOP of Downton Abbey style charm is helping a Wigan hotel cater for young couples keen to say: “I do.”

Emotional brides and jittery bridegrooms are steered calmly through their nuptials with their very own valet and lady in waiting.

The service has been introduced by the Kilhey Court Hotel on the banks of Worthington Reservoir in an effort to try and summon the kind of traditional marriage charm managed so effortlessly in ITV’s engaging hit historical drama.

Macdonald Kilhey Court Hotel - already a distinctly romantic Victorian house setting - has launched the service believed to be the first in the borough to meet the demand of guests seeking the service of an old-fashioned wedding.

And it is being introduced just in time for wedding season.

General Manager, Steven Quick, is gearing-up to help couples celebrate their nuptials in traditional style.

He said: “Whether it’s the popularity of TV shows like Downtown Abbey and Mr Selfridge, or the result of a general trend toward tradition, we’re seeing more bookings from couples keen to hark back to a more classic age with their weddings.

“The Wedding Valet and Lady in Waiting Service is an extension of the quality of service our event team already offers and we’re excited to make the most special days even more special this year.

“From fetching soothing drinks, to shining shoes and fixing veils, our team will be on-hand to provide an unrivalled one-on-one service.”

Steeped in history, Kilhey Court was built as a wedding gift from a husband to his new bride. .

And Mr Quick believes that the staff work just as hard to ensure that the romance continues today.

Housekeeper/event manager Garreth Anderson at Macdonald Kilhey Court has worked at the hotel for many years and is now set to become one the hotel’s first Wedding Valets.

He said: “Weddings can be the most stressful experience for a bride or groom, but our new service means we can help keep any pre-wedding nerves at bay, while providing the best traditional service around.”

The hotel can handle intimate weddings or lavish affairs of up to 350 people, boasting a “serene rural setting and elegant country house ambience.”